Semaglutide Injections (Wegovy™/Ozempic®)
What Is Semaglutide?
Semaglutide is a type of fat burning injection used to encourage healthy weight loss.* Select variations of this injectable exist, including Ozempic® (which is prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy™ (which can combat obesity).
Known as an “incretin mimetic,” semaglutide was developed to mimic the GLP-1 hormone; in other words, it was designed to emulate the sensation of fullness by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas.* This can suppress a patient’s appetite, helping them to reduce cravings and controlling their desire to overeat. The treatment is generally self-administered once a week with an injection and has been known to be very successful for many patients, especially those who practice a healthy lifestyle while taking semaglutide.
At Lifestyle Solutions, our weight loss doctor is passionate about helping patients improve their quality of life through proven, scientifically-backed treatments. Read on for more information about semaglutide, and never hesitate to contact our team with any questions.
What Are the Benefits of Semaglutide?
When safely administered, semaglutide can offer many individuals a host of benefits:
- Effective, gradual, long-term weight loss (often up to 15% of a patient’s body weight)
- Appetite control
- Improved blood sugar control
- Reduced risk of stroke and heart attack
- Increased energy
- Enhanced self-image
With this in mind, it is important to note that semaglutide is usually best used in addition to a steady exercise routine and well-balanced diet. At Lifestyle Solutions MedSpa, our physician-supervised weight loss programs are customized to meet each patient’s unique healthcare needs. We can work with you to put together a multidisciplinary treatment plan to redefine your lifestyle.
What Is the Difference Between Wegovy and Ozempic?
While Wegovy™ and Ozempic® both contain the fat-burning semaglutide, the two medications are prescribed for different conditions. Specifically, Ozempic® is meant to treat type 2 diabetes. Meanwhile, Wegovy™ – which is slightly more potent than Ozempic® – is meant to help obese or overweight patients with at least one comorbid condition (e.g. high blood pressure, high cholesterol) lose weight.
As such, your candidacy for either injectable will depend on your health conditions and body mass index (BMI). During your initial consultation, we will discuss your medical history and weight loss goals before helping you choose between semaglutide or an alternative course of action.
How Is Semaglutide Administered?
Semaglutide is a subcutaneous injection that patients are generally directed to take once a week. Patients can inject semaglutide into their upper arms, thighs, or lower stomach, and are typically advised to rotate injection sites every week. The injection is not usually considered excessively painful, but it is common for patients to feel a small amount of pressure when inserting the pen.
Providers typically start patients on a low dose of semaglutide and increase the amount in the following months. Possible side effects include nausea, indigestion, fatigue, and nervousness, though these tend to fade after the first few injections. Administering Zofran via IV Therapy can help with reducing these side effects. Nonetheless, do not hesitate to reach out to us or seek other medical attention if these concerns persist.
How Much Do Wegovy and Ozempic Cost?
The cost of semaglutide injections will depend on the particular injectable (i.e. Wegovy™ or Ozempic®) being used, as Wegovy™ is slightly more expensive in general. Without insurance, the price of either can be upwards of one thousand dollars, which is why it is typically recommended that you check with your insurance to see if they cover semaglutide. Fortunately, many plans do cover this treatment.
Our team is happy to communicate with insurance on your behalf and submit claims as needed. In addition, we work with CareCredit®, a reputable third-party financier with programs for qualified patients to pay for their care in installments. Please feel free to consult us about your weight loss management financing options at any point.
To schedule your first-time consultation with one of our bariatric doctors, we encourage you to contact Lifestyle Solutions Medspa.
